Process for the preparation of a derivative of piperidine

ABSTRACT

Processes for the preparation of the antiarrhythmic agent 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)-benzamide.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 772,470 filed Sept. 4, 1985,which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 269,070 filed June 2, 1981.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to processes and intermediates for preparingcertain antiarrhythmic agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a method of preparing a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide isprovided which comprises the following steps. Hydroquinone is contactedwith 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate under conditions toyield 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene. In the presence of aluminumchloride, the 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene is then treated withan acetylation agent under conditions to create2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Two of the three hydrogenson the acetophenone function of the2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone are thereafter substituted toyield first the alpha,alphadichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Subsequently, in thepresence of a buffering base, the third hydrogen of thealpha,alpha-dichlorosubstituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is substituted to yieldalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. The resultantalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is then contacted with2-aminomethylpyridine, whereby there is formed2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamide. Finally,the 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamide istreated with an agent capable of hydrogenation of the aromatic bond inthe heterocyclic ring, whereby there is formed a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of preparing a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide isprovided which comprises the following steps. The compound1,4-dibromobenzene is contacted with alkali metal2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in the presence of cuprous or cupric ion and ina strongly polar solvent comprising 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to provide1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene. Then, in the presence of a Lewisacid catalyst, the 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene is treated withan acetylation agent under conditions to create2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Two of the three hydrogenson the acetophenone function of2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone are thereafter substituted toyield first the alpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Subsequently, in thepresence of a buffering base, the third hydrogen of thealpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is substituted to yieldalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. The resultantalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is then contacted with2-aminomethylpyridine, whereby there is formed2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamide. Finally,the 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamide istreated with an agent capable of hydrogenation of the aromatic bond inthe heterocyclic ring, whereby there is formed a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide.

In still another aspect of the invention, a method of preparing a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide isprovided which comprises the following steps. Hydroquinone is contactedwith 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate under conditions toyield 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene. In the presence of aluminumchloride, the 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene is then treated withan acetylation agent under conditions to create2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Two of the three hydrogenson the acetophenone function of said2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone are thereafter substituted toyield first the alpha,alpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Subsequently, in thepresence of a buffering base, the third hydrogen of thealpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is substituted to yieldalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Finally, the resultantalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is contacted with2-aminomethylpiperidine, whereby there is formed2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of preparing a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide isprovided which comprises the following steps. The compound1,4-dibromobenzene is contacted with an alkali metal2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in the presence of cuprous or cupric ion and ina strongly polar solvent comprising 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to yield1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene. Then, in the presence of a Lewisacid catalyst, the 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene is treated withan acetylation agent under conditions to create2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Two of the three hydrogenson the acetophenone function of the2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone are then substituted to yieldfirst the alpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Subsequently, in thepresence of a buffering base, the third hydrogen of thealpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is substituted to yieldalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone. Finally, the resultantalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is contacted with2-aminomethylpiperidine, whereby there is formed2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of providing1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene is provided which comprisescontacting 1,4-dibromobenzene with an alkali metal2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in the presence of cuprous or cupric ion and ina strongly polar solvent comprising 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of providing2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophone is provided which comprisestreating 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene with an acetylation agentin the presence of aluminum chloride.

In still another aspect of the invention, there is provided the compound2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone which is a usefulintermediate in the processes of the invention.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided the compound2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)alpha,alpha-dichloroacetophenone which isalso a useful intermediate in the processes of the invention.

In still another aspect of the invention, there is provided the compound2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)alpha,alpha,alpha-trichloroacetophenonewhich is also a useful intermediate in the processes of the invention.

The compound2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide, anantiarrhythmic agent, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,900,481.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for preparing acompound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R_(f) is a perfluoroalkylradical containing one to three carbon atoms, n is one to three, p isone or two, Q is a carbon to nitrogen bond, methylene or methylmethyleneand R and R' are individually hydrogen, methyl or ethyl which comprises

(1) reacting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein all of the X'sare the same and are selected from OH and Br with a suitable alkylatingagent of the formula

    R.sub.f CH.sub.2 O--A

wherein A is --SO₂ CF₃ or an alkali metal to provide a compound of theformula ##STR3##

(2) acetylating in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst to provide asubstituted acetophenone of the formula ##STR4##

(3) chlorinating the substituted acetophenone to form the correspondingα,α-dichloroacetophenone ##STR5##

(4) adding a buffering base and further chlorinating to provide theα,α,α-trifluoroacetophenone ##STR6##

(5) reacting that product alternatively with a compound of the formula##STR7## to form the desired product in one step or with a compound ofthe formula ##STR8## in which q is one when p is one and q is zero whenp is two, then reducing to form the desired product.

Preferably, the process is utilized to prepare antiarrhythmic agents inwhich R_(f) is CF₃, most preferably of the formula ##STR9## due to thesuperior properties of such compounds as antiarrhythmics.

The processes which comprises steps (1); (1)-(2); (3); (4); (3)-(4); and(5) above constitute separate aspects of the overall invention as do theintermediate compounds ##STR10## wherein R_(f) is a perfluoroalkylradical containing one to three carbon atoms, n is one to three and B isselected from --CH₃, --CHCl₂ and CCl₃.

The overall process of the invention follows the reaction sequence:##STR11## in which the compounds VI are the antiarrhythmic agentspreviously alluded to.

Preferably, in the foregoing reaction sequence, Q is (1) acarbon-nitrogen bond and is bonded to the 3 position of the pyrrolidineor piperidine ring or (2) a methylene linking group bonded to the 2position of the piperidine or pyrrolidine ring. Most preferred is theprocess for preparing the compound of formula VI wherein O is methylenebonded to the 2 position of a piperidine ring (i.e. in which p is 2) andR and R' are both hydrogen.

In the first step of the process, when X is OH, A is suitably --SO₂ CF₃and the reactants are heated together in a solvent such as acetone orN,N-dimethylformamide and in the presence of a base, preferably a weakbase such as an alkali metal carbonate, e.g. potassium or sodiumcarbonate.

When X is Br, the bromobenzene I is reacted with the1,1-dihydroperfluoroalkoxide ion in a strongly polar solvent mixture ata temperature up to the reflux temperature of the solution in thepresence of cuprous or cupric ion to provide the desired product II ingood yield. The 1,1-dihydroperfluoroalkoxide ion is obtained from thecorresponding alcohol by reaction with a strong base such as sodiumhydroxide or preferably sodium hydride. Suitable solvent mixturesinclude dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and preferablyN,N-dimethylformamide, each with about 10 to 50 percent, and preferablyabout 20 percent, of the 1,1-dihydroperfluoroalcohol (which correspondsto the 1,1-dihydroxyperfluoroalkoxide ion). Cuprous ion is provided,e.g. by a cuprous halide such as cuprous iodide or cuprous bromide.Cupric ion is provided e.g. by cupric bromide, cupric sulfate or cupricacetate.

In step (2) the 1,1-dihydroperfluoroalkoxy-substituted benzene IIproduced in the first step is acetylated by reacting under mildconditions with any acetylating agent such as acetyl chloride or aceticanhydride in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as tin chloride,ferric chloride or, preferably, aluminum chloride. The acetylation iscarried out in a suitable non-reactive solvent such as a chlorinatedhydrocarbon, such as dichloromethane, trichloroethylene or1,2-dichloroethane, diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran and the like.Unexpectedly, this reaction provides high yields of the desiredsubstituted acetophenone III.

The reaction of step (3) is a simple chlorination of the intermediateIII in a suitable solvent such as ethyl acetate, a chlorinatedhydrocarbon or, preferably, in acetic acid solution. This reaction iscarried out at a moderate temperature, preferably 50° to 60° C.

The product IV can be isolated if desired, or the chlorination carriedon as in step (4) to obtain the intermediate V by adding a bufferingagent e.g. an acetate salt such as sodium acetate and raising thetemperature slightly for example, to 80° to 100° C., while continuingthe chlorination.

The final step of the process may be carried out directly from asaturated diamine ##STR12## or indirectly from an unreduced diamine##STR13## Thus, a saturated ring-containing compound such as a2-aminomethylpiperidine, 2-aminomethylpyrrolidine, 3-aminopiperidine or3-aminopyrrolidine can be reacted with the trichloroacetophenone productof step (4) or, a compound such as a 2-aminomethylpyridine,2-aminomethylpyrrole, 3-aminopyridine or 3-aminopyrrole can be reactedwith the trichloroacetophenone product of step (4). In either case, thereaction proceeds readily without external heating in an inert solventsuch as toluene, benzene, isopropyl alcohol, cyclohexane and the like.The reaction proceeds particularly readily and in high yield when theunreduced diamine is reacted in a mixture of toluene and cyclohexane.The resulting adduct is reduced to the desired product VI by catalytichydrogenation in the presence of platinum oxide or (preferably) platinumon carbon. The solvent used for this reaction is methanol or a loweralkanoic acid such as (and preferably) glacial acetic acid and thepreferred temperature range is 15° to 30° C.

The following examples illustrate the processes of the invention and thepreparation of the intermediate products thereof, and are not intendedto be limiting on the scope of the invention as described hereinabove.

EXAMPLE 1 Step (1) of the process: A=SO₂ CF₃ and X=OH

To a mixture of 2.42 moles (334.4 g.) of potassium carbonate, 2.2 moles(510.6 g.) of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate in 1.02liters of acetone is added a solution of 1.0 mole (110 g.) ofhydroquinone in 1.1 liters of acetone, slowly over a 2 hour period. Thereaction is then heated at reflux for 24 hours, the reaction mixture isevaporated, and 2 liters of chloroform and 2 liters of water are addedto the residue. The chloroform layer is separated, the aqueous layer iswashed twice with 1 liter of chloroform, and the combined chloroformsolution is washed with 1 liter of water. The chloroform solution isdried over magnesium sulfate, then concentrated under vacuum. Hexane isadded to the residue and the solid product is collected by filtrationand washed with hexane. Additional material is collected from theconcentrated residues. A yield of 88 percent, 241 g. of1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene, m.p. 75°-77° C. is obtained.

EXAMPLE 2 Step (1): A=Na and X=Br

To 0.20 mole (9.6 g) of 50 percent sodium hydride in 40 ml. ofN,N-dimethylformamide is added 40 ml. of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol followedby 0.034 mole (8.0 g.) of 1,4-dibromobenzene and 0.006 mole (1.0 g.) ofcuprous iodide. The mixture is heated at its reflux temperature for 4hours, then cooled to about 25° C. and filtered. The residue is washedwith N,N-dimethylformamide. The solution is then poured into water, andthe precipitate is separated by filtration. The product is dissolved indiethyl ether and filtered, and the filtrate solution is evaporated toprovide a solid residue which is washed with hexane and dried. Theproduct is 7.3 g. (80 percent) of 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene,m.p. 77° to 79° C.

The reaction is rerun as follows, varying the conditions and proportionsof the constituents and utilizing cupric bromide as the catalyst: To amixture of 4.8 g. of sodium hydride in 40 ml. of N,N-dimethylformamideis added 20 ml. (27.4 g.) of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. To this mixture isadded 0.034 mole (8.0 g.) of 1,4-dibromobenzene and 1.0 g. of cupricbromide. The reaction mixture is heated at about 100° C. for two hours,then quenched with ice water. Acidification with hydrochloric acid andfiltration produces 9.2 g. (99 percent) of white solid1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene. The structure is confirmed byinfrared spectral analysis.

EXAMPLE 3 Step (2) utilizing acetic anhydride as the acetylating agent

To a mixture of 2.43 moles (324 g.) of aluminum chloride in 648 ml. ofdichloromethane is added a solution of 0.88 mole (274 g.) of1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene and 0.97 mole (92 ml.) of aceticanhydride in 800 ml. of dichloromethane over a 3 hour period whilemaintaining the temperature at above 0° C. The reaction mixture is thenheated to its reflux temperature and stirred at reflux for 5 hours. Theprogress of the reaction is followed using thin-layer chromatography.The reaction mixture is placed in an ice bath and ice and 10 percenthydrochloric acid are added slowly to decompose the aluminum chloridecomplex. The temperature of the reaction mixture is not allowed toexceed 25° C. The organic phase is separated and washed once with 2liters of 10 percent hydrochloric acid and then with 2 liters of water.The combined aqueous phase is extracted with several liters ofdichloromethane. The organic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate, thenevaporated to provide a moist residue. Hexane is added to the residueand the resulting solid is collected by filtration and washed withhexane. Upon drying, 250 g. of light yellow crystalline2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone is obtained. The yield is 90percent, the m.p. is 84° to 86° C.

EXAMPLE 4 A scale up of the run of Example 3

To a mixture of 4,367 kilograms (32.75 moles) of aluminum chloride and8.8 liters of dichloromethane at 0° C. is added gradually a solution of3.267 kilograms of 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene and 1.399kilograms (13.7 moles) of acetic anhydride in 1.3 liters ofdichloromethane. The reaction temperature is maintained at 5° to 10° C.while stirring the mixture for about 16 hours. The reaction mixture isthen heated to its reflux temperature and maintained under reflux for 4hours. The reaction mixture is then acidified with 8.76 kilograms of 10percent hydrochloric acid. Ice is added to the mixture to maintain thetemperature below 20° C. The organic layer is separated and the aqueouslayers are extracted several times with dichloromethane. The organiclayers are dried, then evaporated to provide a residue which istriturated with hexane to provide a yellow solid product. Two crops ofproduct are obtained providing a total yield of 3.088 kilograms of2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone, m.p. 84° to 88° C., yield 82percent.

EXAMPLE 5 Step (2) utilizing acetyl chloride as the acetylating agent

To a mixture of 0.022 mole (2.8 g.) of aluminum chloride and 100 ml. of1,2-dichloroethane is added dropwise at 25° C. a solution of 0.020 mole(5.6 g.) of 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene and 0.022 mole (1.7g.) of acetyl chloride in 20 ml. of 1,2-dichloroethane. After stirringfor 4 hours the reaction mixture is washed with ice water andhydrochloric acid and the organic layer is dried. Evaporation produces aresidue which is recrystallized from hexane to provide 4.1 g. (71percent) of pale yellow needles of2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone (as verified by infraredspectral analysis).

EXAMPLE 6 Step (3)

A mixture of 0.25 mole (79.1 g.) of2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone in 150 ml. of acetic acid isheated to 50° C. Chlorine gas is bubbled into the solution and thetemperature increases gradually to 55° C. The chlorine addition rate isadjusted to maintain the temperature between 55° and 60° C. After about75 minutes the temperature begins to decrease (indicating that no morechlorination is taking place). The total amount of chlorine added is35.5 g. The resulting product is2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-α,α-dichloroacetophenone.

EXAMPLE 7 Step (4)

To the product of the preceding example (without isolation orpurification) is added 0.35 mole (28.7 g.) of sodium acetate. Thetemperature increases to about 80° C., and the solution is heated to 85°C. Chlorine addition is resumed and the temperature increases to 100° C.After about 20 minutes the theoretical amount of chlorine has been takenup, and the mixture is poured into a mixture of ice and water. Theprecipitate which forms is collected by filtration, rinsed with water,dissolved in dichloromethane and dried. Evaporation provides a residuewhich is triturated with hexane to provide a white solid. A yield of 94g. (90 percent) of2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-α,α,α-trichloroacetophenone, m.p. 45° to48° C. is obtained.

EXAMPLE 8 Step (5) carried out in two reactions

To a solution of 0.05 mole (21.0 g.) of2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-α,α,α-trichloroacetophenone in 60 ml. oftoluene is added dropwise a solution of 0.055 mole (6.0 g.) of2-aminomethylpyridine in 50 ml. of cyclohexane and 10 ml. of toluene.The reaction is exothermic, and a precipitate forms immediately.Additional toluene and cyclohexane are added to obtain a mixtureconsistency that permits stirring, and the stirring is continued for twohours at about 25° C. The solid is then separated by filtration, washedwith a mixture of toluene and cyclohexane and dried to provide a whitesolid. The product is2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamide, m.p.104°-106° C., 17.8 g., 89 percent yield.

A mixture of 0.33 mole (134.7 g.) of2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamide, 1.347liters of glacial acetic acid and 13.5 g. of 5 percent platinum oncarbon is reduced in a Parr apparatus at about 30 pounds of hydrogen atroom temperature. The reaction is complete in 6-7 hours. The reactionmixture is filtered and the catalyst is washed with isopropyl alcohol.The solution and washings are evaporated to provide a residue. Hexane isadded to the residue and the resulting white solid is collected andrecrystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane. A 71 percent yieldof 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamideacetate, m.p. 150° to 152° C., is obtained. By concentrating theresidual liquid, an additional 18 percent of product is obtained as asecond crop with a melting point of 148°-150° C.

EXAMPLE 9 Step (5) carried out in a single reaction

To a solution of 0.01 mole (4.19 g.) of2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-α,α,α-trichloroacetophenone in 50 ml. ofisopropyl alcohol is added 0.01 mole (1.2 g.) of2-aminomethylpiperidine. The mixture gradually turns solid over a periodof 30 minutes. The mixture is allowed to sit for about 16 hours, then0.01M of acetic acid and 5 ml. of isopropyl alcohol are added, and thesolution is warmed to dissolve all of the solid. On cooling, 3.0 g. of awhite solid are obtained. The filtrate is evaporated, and the residuerecrystallized from isopropyl alcohol to give additional product as awhite solid. The product is2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide acetateaccording to its infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preparing a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide whichcomprises:(a) contacting 1,4-dibromobenzene with alkali metal2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in the presence of cuprous or cupric ion and ina strongly polar solvent comprising 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, whereby1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene is formed; (b) in the presence ofa Lewis acid catalysts, treating said1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene with an acetylation agent underconditions to create 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone: (c)substituting two of the three hydrogens on the acetophenone function ofsaid 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone to yield first thealpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; (d) in the presence of abuffering base, substituting the third hydrogen of saidalpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone to yieldalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; (e) contacting the resultantalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone with 2-aminomethylpyridine,whereby there is formed2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamide; (f)treating said2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-benzamide with anagent capable of hydrogenation of the aromatic bond in the heterocyclicring, whereby there is formed a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide.
 2. Amethod of claim 1 wherein said2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide isrecovered in the form of its acetate.
 3. A method of preparing a2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide whichcomprises:(a) contacting 1,4-dibromobenzene with an alkali metal2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in the presence of cuprous of cupric ion and ina strongly polar solvent comprising 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to yield1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene; (b) in the presence of a Lewisacid catalyst, treating said 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene withan acetylation agent under conditions to create2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; (c) substituting two of thethree hydrogens on the acetophenone function of said2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone to yield first thealpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; (d) in the presence of abuffering base, substituting the third hydrogen of saidalpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone to yieldalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; (e) contacting the resultantalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone with 2-aminomethylpiperidine,whereby there is formed2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide.
 4. Amethod of claim 3 wherein said2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-piperidylmethyl)benzamide isrecovered in the form of its acetate.
 5. A method of preparing1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene comprising contacting1,4-dibromobenzene with an alkali metal 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in thepresence of cuprous or cupric ion and in a strongly polar solventcomprising 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to provide said1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene.
 6. A method of preparing2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone comprising:(a) contacting1,4-dibromobenzene with an alkali metal 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in thepresence of cuprous or cupric ion in a strongly polar solvent comprising2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to provide 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene;and (b) treating said 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene, in thepresence of a Lewis acid catalyst, with an acetylation agent underconditions to create 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone.
 7. Amethod of preparing alpha,alpha,dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone comprising:(a) contacting1,4-dibromobenzene with an alkali metal 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in thepresence of cuprous or cupric ion in a strongly polar solvent comprising2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to provide 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene;(b) treating said 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene, in the presenceof a Lewis acid catalyst, with an acetylation agent under conditions tocreate 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; and (c) reacting saidbis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone by substituting two of the threehydrogens on the acetophenone function to yieldalpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone.
 8. A method of preparingalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone comprising:(a) contacting1,4-dibromobenzene with an alkali metal 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in thepresence of cuprous or cupric ion in a strongly polar solvent comprising2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to provide 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene;(b) treating said 1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene, in the presenceof a Lewis acid catalyst, with an acetylation agent under conditions tocreate 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; (c) reacting saidbis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone by substituting two of the threehydrogens on the acetophenone function to yieldalpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; and (d) substituting thethird hydrogen of said alpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone in the presence of abuffering base to yield alpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone.
 9. A method of preparing2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamidecomprising:(a) contacting 1,4-dibromobenzene with an alkali metal2,2,2-trifluoroethoxide in the presence of cuprous or cupric ion in astrongly polar solvent comprising 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to provide1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene; (b) treating said1,4-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzene, in the presence of a Lewis acidcatalyst, with an acetylation agent under conditions to create2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; (c) reacting saidbis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone by substituting two of the threehydrogens on the acetophenone function to yieldalpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; (d) substituting the thirdhydrogen of said alpha,alpha-dichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone in the presence of abuffering base to yield alpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone; and (e) reacting saidalpha,alpha,alpha-trichloro-substituted2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)acetophenone with 2-aminomethylpyridine toyield said 2,5-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)benzamide.